Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This 1672 engraving by Romeyn de Hooghe is an illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet’s “Den Arbeid van Mars,” a book about military architecture and fortifications. The illustration combines a geometric diagram with a view of a coastal fortification, showing the use of mathematical principles in military design. The detailed drawing demonstrates the precision of military engineering in the 17th century, with a clear emphasis on the importance of careful planning and execution. The use of geometric figures and the depiction of a military structure represent a typical theme in Dutch art of the period. This engraving is a testament to the importance of scientific knowledge in a time of war.